Steven Hoeft ’73 and the Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith ’90 Malone are two of seven alumni who will be honored during the 2013 Homecoming Convocation on Friday, Oct. 25. They are recipients of this year’s five Outstanding Alumni Awards.

Hoeft is head of the construction and real estate litigation group at the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and is based in the firm’s Chicago office. As one of Illinois’ top lawyers, his practice is focused on construction, real estate, securities and commodities, product liability and intellectual property litigation. In 2009, he assumed the role of North Central College’s chair of the Board of Trustees, providing expertise on many committees and helping oversee the College’s 2012 presidential search process, transition and inauguration of Troy D. Hammond. Hoeft majored in English studies and political science, became the third leading scorer in the history of Cardinal basketball and participated in track and field as a triple jumper. He earned a juris doctor from Northwestern University School of Law.

Malone is a recognized leader in the United Methodist Church, widely known for her devout faith and her outstanding abilities to lead, mentor, teach and preach. She holds the position of Chicago Southern District Superintendent of the Northern Illinois Conference and has served in associate, pastor and senior pastor positions. She graduated from North Central with a degree in religious studies, received a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.